Hiking and biking are popular year-round activities in the Gallup region. Hikers and mountain bikers of all skill levels will find dozens of miles of trails through some amazing terrain. Gallup also hosts organized races and events for mountain bikers such as the 24 Hours in the Enchanted Forest endurance competition. There’s the Hogback Trail, the High Desert Trail and the Zuni Mountains for starters. Want to hike nearby? Check out the Red Rock Park Trail or the UNM Gallup Campus trail for shorter, family friendly hikes.

New Mexico has gained a reputation for some of the best ballooning in the United States. Chalk it up to near perfect weather, the right atmospherics and some pretty amazing landscapes that balloonists enjoy like few others can. Gallup plays host to several ballooning events throughout the year including the Red Rock Balloon Festival. As many as a hundred balloonists along with enthusiasts converge each December for the spectacle.

Want to give a Ballooning a try?
Picture yourself floating in near silence, a cool breeze in your hair, over the gorgeous red rock landscape. A local balloon outfitter takes visitors up for these once-in-a-lifetime adventures. This trip makes for some unforgettable selfies.

No surprise, the Gallup region is a popular destination for off roading enthusiasts. And Gallup is home to a dedicated park for OHVs. The park, which runs alongside the Hogback Ridge, encompasses 300 acres just off I-40 north of town so it’s close and convenient. A local OHV group, Red Rock Motorsports Club, maintains the area so you’ll find like-minded aficionados to consult on the latest OHV news.